Resistance training device

ABSTRACT

A resistance training device is disclosed, comprising at least one resistance element extending between a tensioning element and at least one arm component. The tensioning element is positioned on the dorsal side of the user and a pivot is provided near the elbow joint of the user to permit articulation of the arm component. A plurality of attachments comprise a first side and a second side to anchor the resistance element to the arm component to impart resistance to the user during movement.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments generally relate to garments and, more specifically, relate to garments worn during exercise, which are configured to augment muscular activity by restraining the limbs of the user.

BACKGROUND

Exercise is recommended as a component of a healthy lifestyle, with much emphasis placed on aerobic activity and resistance training. Specifically, resistance training is utilized to promote muscular development, which is beneficial at all stages of life. Benefits include maintaining adequate strength, reducing muscular atrophy, improving joint health and longevity, and reducing osteoporosis as one ages.

To sufficiently train the muscles, resistance training should include a variety of exercises using body weight which may be further supplemented with added resistance. Common methods include weight circuit training, isometric exercise, and plyometric exercise. Resistance can be added using barbells, dumbbells, weight machines, weighted clothing, resistance bands, pneumatic exercise equipment, hydraulic exercise equipment, and other resistance implements commonly found in gyms or at home.

Starting in the early 20^(th) century, resistance bands increased in popularity as a means for adding resistance to various exercises. Early resistance bands used surgical tubing due to its flexibility in use and light weight, making their use easy for users who may not be able to lift weights. The bands may be color-coded to indicate different levels of resistance, which allows the user to select the appropriate resistance level for each exercise or training technique. Various body-worn exercise devices that aid in muscle development are known in the arts. Such devices include resistance belts, vests, or suits which include springs and pulleys.

In the current arts, a variety of resistance band configurations are available including therapy bands commonly used for rehabilitation, compact resistance bands, fit loop bands, figure-8 bands, ring resistance bands, and lateral resistance bands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments described herein provide a resistance training device, comprising at least one resistance element extending between a tensioning element and at least one arm component. The tensioning element is positioned on the dorsal side of the user and a pivot is provided near the elbow joint of the user to permit articulation of the arm component. A plurality of attachments comprise a first side and a second side to anchor the resistance element to the arm component to impart resistance to the user during movement.

The resistance training device comprises a plurality of resistance bands which are internal or external of a garment. The device includes a plurality of tensioning devices to permit adjustment of the tension imparted by the resistance bands. The device is worn to promote muscular development of the user by imparting a sufficient amount of tension to the torso and limbs of the user.

In one aspect, the tensioning element permits selective tensioning of the resistance element.

In one aspect, the resistance element may be interchanged to increase or decrease the amount of resistance imparted.

In one aspect, the arm component further comprises an upper portion engaged with the upper arm and a lower portion engaged with the forearm of the user.

In one aspect, the upper portion at least partially extends around the circumference of the upper arm.

In one aspect, the lower portion at least partially extends around the circumference of the forearm.

In one aspect, a sleeve extends between the upper portion and the lower portion.

In one aspect, the resistance training device is constructed as a garment to cover at least a portion of the upper body of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of the resistance training device on the arm of the user, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the resistance training device on the arm of the user, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the resistance training device and the attachments thereof configured to secure the resistance training device to the arm of the user, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an elevation view of the dorsal side of the user wearing the resistance training device, according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the user wearing the resistance training device, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.

In general, the embodiments provide a resistance training device (hereinafter may also be referred to as simply “the device” or “device”) worn by a user. The resistance training device comprises a plurality of resistance bands which are internal or external of a garment. The device includes a plurality of tensioning devices to permit adjustment of the tension imparted by the resistance bands.

In some embodiments, the device is modular to permit adding or removing resistance bands to increase the tension imparted to the user by the resistance bands.

FIG. 1 illustrates the resistance device 100 having an arm component 101 engaged with the arm 103 of the user 105. The resistance device 100 includes an upper portion 107 engaged with the upper arm 109 and a lower portion 111 engaged with the forearm 113 and a sleeve 114 extending between the upper portion 107 and the lower portion 111. The upper portion 107 is comprised of a first anchor 115 extending at least partially around the circumference of the upper arm 109. The lower portion 111 comprises a second anchor 117 extending at least partially around the circumference of the forearm 113. The upper portion 107 receives a top member 119 extending between a first receiver 121 positioned on the upper portion 107 and a pivot 123 positioned near the elbow joint 125 of the user 105 to permit the articulation of the arm. The pivot 123 is configured to allow normal motion of the arm, such as by permitting the natural bend of the elbow by extending and flexing the various muscles of the arm 103. At least one resistance element 127 interfaces with the arm component 101. The resistance element 127 is positioned between the arm component 101 and the arm 103, such that the device 100 and arm component 101 thereof functions as an exoskeleton. One skilled in the arts will readily understand that while FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the device 100 and arm component 101 engaged with a single arm of the user, a corresponding arm component 101 may be engaged with the opposing arm to provide resistance to each arm during use. The first anchor 115 may comprise a first adjustment mechanism 129 and the second anchor 117 may comprise a second adjustment mechanism 131, each configured to permit the adjustment of tension imparted by the resistance element 127. In some embodiments, each adjustment mechanism may slide apart from the respective anchor to lengthen or shorten the resistance element 127.

In some embodiments, an attachment is provided to the hand of the user, such as by attaching to the wrist, fingers, or hand of the user. For example, a resistance element 127 may extend from the lower portion 111 to the thumb to provide resistance during forearm and hand movements. The connection points to the hand may be altered to change the resistive force imparted by the device 100.

The resistance elements 127 may be a series of resistance bands that may be stretched individually or in pairs. Though this discussion may describe and illustrate bands that are elastic, the bands themselves may be non-elastic and may have stretchable and adjustable means near their points of attachment. Such bands are known in the art and may provide a similar workout when incorporated into the device 100.

It is a particular feature of the embodiments that the user can select the amount of resistance applied by selecting which and how many of the resistance elements are attached to the device 100. For example, where the user may select to engage more than one resistance element to provide additional resistance to the bicep during exercise. In some embodiments, the individual resistance elements are color-coded or otherwise provided an indication of their resistance to stretching.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 114 portion is a component of a garment which may include a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, vest, tank top, jacket, body suit, or other garment known in the arts.

FIG. 2 illustrates the arm 103 having the resistance element 127 extending from the upper arm 109 to the forearm 113. The resistance element 127 is illustrated extending from the posterior 200 of the shoulder 205 around to the anterior 210 of the forearm 113. The pivot 123 is positioned near the medial side 215 of the elbow joint 125. The sleeve 114 may form a component of a garment which covers the entire upper body or a portion thereof. For example, the garment may be provided as a shirt suitable for wear during exercise.

The material used to construct the garment should be very breathable and resilient. The fabric should be breathable so that vigorous exercise is not unpleasant when the garment is worn. Likewise, the fabric should stretch in order to allow the user freedom of movement. Such materials include cotton, or any other flexible and breathable material such as those marketed under the trade names of LYCRA®, SPANDEX®, or the like. Combinations of such materials may also be used. Due to the construction and fabrics used in the resistive exercise garment, it may be easily washed, dried and used repeatedly.

FIG. 3 illustrates the distal side 300 of the arm 103 with the arm component 101 releasably engaged thereto. A plurality of attachments 310, 320, 330 which extend at least partially around the circumference of the arm 103 to secure the arm component 101 to the arm 103 such that the device and arm component 101 are retained in a suitable position to provide a resistive force to the arms movement and thus provide a means for developing the muscles of the arm 103 while the device is worn. The resistance element 127 may extend between the a first side 340 and second side 350 of the plurality of attachments 310, 320, 330 such that the resistance element 127 is retained therebetween.

FIG. 4 illustrates the dorsal side 400 of the user 105 wherein the device 100 is engaged with the left arm 401 and the right arm 403. Upper resistance elements 405, 407 extend from a first tensioning component 410 positioned near the medial region 413 of the dorsal side 400 to the left wrist 415 and right wrist 417. The tensioning component 410 permits the selective tensioning of each resistance element. The tensioning component 410 may operate by shortening the length of each resistance element such as by rotating the resistance elements around the circumference of the tensioning component 410 to shorten the length between the tensioning component 410 and the end of the resistance element. Lateral resistance elements 420, 422 are extend from the left and right distal sides 424, 426 to the arm components illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The lateral resistance elements 420, 422 may provide resistance to the shoulders, back, biceps, triceps and other muscle groups.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the tensioning component 410 is engaged with the resistance element extending laterally to the arm component 101 such that lateral tension is provided to the left arm 401 and right arm 403 of the user 105. In some embodiments, the resistance elements may be constructed of suitable elastic materials that provide sufficient elastic tension to the user during athletic movements. The materials should be capable of extension without breaking, tearing, or likewise damage. The material is preferably constructed of a material capable of performing suitably in varying temperatures including cold and hot temperatures without risk of breaking tearing or likewise damage.

In some embodiments, the user may interchange the resistance element 127, lateral resistance elements 420, 422, and/or upper resistance elements 405, 407 to change the tension imparted to the user. For example, the user may select a high-tension resistance element for strenuous exercise and a low-tension resistance element during aerobic exercise.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A resistance training device, comprising: at least one resistance element extending between a tensioning element and at least one arm component, the tensioning element positioned on the dorsal side of the user; a pivot provided near the elbow joint of the user to permit articulation of the arm component; a plurality of attachments comprising a first side and a second side, the plurality of attachments to anchor the resistance element to the arm component to impart resistance to the user during movement.
 2. The resistance training device of claim 1, wherein the tensioning element permits selective tensioning of the resistance element.
 3. The resistance training device of claim 1, wherein the resistance element may be interchanged to increase or decrease the amount of resistance imparted.
 4. The resistance training device of claim 1, wherein the arm component further comprises an upper portion engaged with the upper arm and a lower portion engaged with the forearm of the user.
 5. The resistance training device of claim 4, wherein the upper portion at least partially extends around the circumference of the upper arm.
 6. The resistance training device of claim 5, wherein the lower portion at least partially extends around the circumference of the forearm.
 7. The resistance training device of claim 6, wherein a sleeve extends between the upper portion and the lower portion.
 8. The resistance training device of claim 7, wherein the resistance training device is constructed as a garment to cover at least a portion of the upper body of the user.
 9. A resistance training device, comprising: at least one resistance element extending between a tensioning element and at least one arm component, the tensioning element positioned on the dorsal side of the user, the arm component comprising an upper portion to engage with the upper arm and a lower portion to engage with the lower arm; a pivot positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion, the pivot positioned near the elbow joint of the user to permit articulation of the arm component; a plurality of attachments comprising a first side and a second side, the plurality of attachments to anchor the resistance element to the arm component to impart resistance to the user during movement.
 10. The resistance training device of claim 9, wherein the tensioning element permits selective tensioning of the resistance element.
 11. The resistance training device of claim 10, wherein the upper portion comprises an adjustment means to adjust the tension of the resistance element.
 12. The resistance training device of claim 11, wherein the lower portion comprises an adjustment means to adjust the tension of the resistance element.
 13. The resistance training device of claim 12, wherein the adjustment means comprises a sliding component to select the tension imparted by the resistance element.
 14. The resistance training device of claim 13, wherein the resistance element may be interchanged to increase or decrease the amount of resistance imparted.
 15. The resistance training device of claim 14, wherein a sleeve extends between the upper portion and the lower portion.
 16. The resistance training device of claim 15, wherein the resistance training device is constructed as a garment to cover at least a portion of the upper body of the user.
 17. The resistance training device of claim 16, further comprising lateral resistance elements to provide lateral tension between the tensioning component and the arm component.
 18. The resistance training device of claim 17, further comprising upper resistance elements extending from the tensioning component to the left and right wrists of the user.
 19. The resistance training device of claim 18, wherein the upper resistance elements extend to the thumbs of the user.
 20. A resistance training device, comprising: at least one resistance element extending between at least one tensioning element and at least one arm component, the tensioning element positioned on the dorsal side of the user, the arm component comprising an upper portion to engage with the upper arm and a lower portion to engage with the lower arm; one or more upper resistance elements extending between the tensioning component to the left and right wrists of the user; a pivot positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion, the pivot positioned near the elbow joint of the user to permit articulation of the arm component; a plurality of attachments comprising a first side and a second side, the plurality of attachments to anchor the resistance element to the arm component to impart multidirectional resistance to the user during athletic movement; a garment engaged with the at least one resistance elements, the garment configured to cover at least a portion of the upper body of the user. 